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ABSTRACT
Introduction: Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a major health problem in elderly persons and is associated with high morbidity and mortality.
Areas covered: This article reviews the most recent publications relative to CAP in the elderly population, with a focus on epidemiology, prognostic factors, microbial etiology, therapy and prevention. The data discussed in this review were mainly obtained from a non-systematic review using Medline, and references from relevant articles.
Expert commentary: CAP can occur at any age, but its incidence and risk of death are linked to increasing age. Age-related changes in the immune system make this population more vulnerable to CAP. Mortality in hospitalized patients with CAP ranges from 10% to 12%. However, in the case of elderly patients, several studies have reported mortality rates of up to 25%. Pneumococcal and influenza vaccination comprise one of the most important preventive approaches for CAP in the elderly.
Declaration of interest
A. Ceccato has taken part in an ERS long-term fellowship. C. Cillóniz has taken part in an ERS short-term fellowship The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.